Central Asia

Project results

The project delivered a set of results that strengthened both operational conservation practice and institutional cooperation.

• Improved transboundary conservation management in Zarafshan Valley and Hissar Mountains

Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) assessments of the protected areas in Zarafshan Valley helped to identify threats, management gaps and priorities. Standardized Biodiversity Monitoring Guidelines were developed for Zarafshan National Park (UZB) and Zarafshan Zakaznik (TJK), creating a shared methodological framework that enables comparable data collection and joint interpretation of ecological trends. Targeted trainings – including camera trap monitoring – enhanced the practical skills of protected area staff, establishing a common basis for future cooperation. The protected areas got also various equipment for more efficient patrolling. 

In the Hissar Mountains, the project strengthened practical cooperation between the protected areas Shirkent National Park (TJK) and Yuqori Tupalang National Park (UZB) through joint technical exchanges, biodiversity monitoring trainings, and shared management discussions that improved mutual understanding of ecosystem challenges. This laid the basis for further joint activities in transboundary conservation.

• Stronger sustainable land-use and climate integration

Applied studies assessed climate change impacts on local land users in Zarafshan Valley. Built on the results, communication material was developed that addresses local farmers and local communities and describe major challenges of possible adaptation measures to climate change. An analysis of potential of transboundary ecotourism in Zarafshan Valley demonstrated how conservation goals can be linked with local livelihoods. 

• Enhanced regional dialogue and institutional anchoring

A major milestone of the project was the agreement of a Joint Action Plan for transboundary cooperation in the Zarafshan Valley, providing a framework for continued collaboration. Political partners further expressed commitment to formalizing cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Two regional Samarkand Summer Schools equipped approximately ca. 50 young professionals and students from across Central Asia with GIS and Remote Sensing skills, strengthening regional expertise and professional networks.

The regional Human–Wildlife Conflict Conference in Almaty produced practical Proceedings including best practices and case studies from across Central Asia, strengthening knowledge exchange and providing protected area managers and policymakers with concrete tools to address Human-Wildlife Conflict in Central Asia.